Fiction

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

I stopped eating meat after this read.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I almost stopped reading it during the first chapters, then it took off and I couldn't stop reading it.

Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

I miss all of the characters in this book - I might have to read it again to hang out with them some more.

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

This is a well told story about brotherhood and family dysfunction.

A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham

An interesting group of characters and situations show what friendships can be.

NONFICTION

Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin

The story of St. Brendan's voyage from Ireland to the "new world" in the 6th century. The author made the trip in boat similar to St. Brendan's. He also made the boat.

Grace and Grit by Ken Wilbur

A fabulous autobiography of Wilbur and his wife's journey while she struggled with breast cancer that ultimately claimed her life.

Healing the Split Integrating Spirit into Our Understanding of the Mentally Ill by John E. Nelson

A cumbersome but interesting read concerning mental illness and spiritual crisis.

The Epidemic: The Rot of American Culture, Absentee and Permissive Parenting, and the Resultant Plague of Joyless, Selfish Children by Robert Shaw, With Stephanie Wood

A must read for educators, parents and anyone who cares about our children.

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

An incredible autobiographical account of a young man's 6 weeks in a drug treatment facility.